Canberra, June 23 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)
Members of the Indian diaspora in Canberra gathered on June 21 at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre of the ACT to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad. The vigil brought together families, students, and community leaders for an evening of collective grief and prayer.
India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay, attended the event and extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Indian government.
The prayer meeting was held in the aftermath of the crash of Air India Flight AI171, which took off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, en route to London. Tragically, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, resulting in the deaths of 241 people, including 230 passengers and 11 crew members. Dozens of people on the ground also perished when the aircraft impacted a residential area near a local hospital.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, one passenger miraculously survived and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Authorities have launched a high-level investigation into the cause of the crash, with Indian and international aviation experts working together to examine flight data and determine what went wrong.
At the Canberra vigil, the community offered floral tributes, lit candles, and chanted Vedic prayers in remembrance of the departed souls. The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection and solidarity.
High Commissioner Baglay acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on Indian Australians and lauded the temple community for bringing people together in a time of mourning.
The vigil concluded with a moment of silence and a collective prayer for peace and strength—for the victims, the families affected, and all who continue to grieve.